State Parks for Beginners

Get Started

The great outdoors awaits you in Texas State Parks. Follow these steps to plan your trip.

Map of State Parks Step 1

Choose a Park

Search our parks map to choose from over 80 parks, natural areas, historic sites and visitor centers. Filter by activities and amenities to find the perfect park for you, your family or your group.

Couple planning route on map Step 2

Plan Your Visit

Each park provides information to help you plan your visit including entry fees, things to do, and overnight accommodations. Find upcoming events on our park events calendar.

Reservations system on monitor and phone Step 3

Make Your Reservation

Reserve online or by phone. Each park provides its own entrance fee information. Learn more about day passes or explore the benefits of park passes.

Things to Do

State Parks offer new adventures. Review our park events calendar, explore all park activities or browse through activities below:

Couple hiking in a Inks Lake State Park

Hiking

Find trails for families, history buffs, backpacking and more.
Milkyway

Stargazing

Get away from the city lights and marvel at some of the best night sky views around.
Kayak fishing in Lake Bastrop

Boating & Paddling

Experience the beauty of state parks from the water. Many state parks rent canoes, kayaks and more.

Biking

Swimming

Geocaching

Horseback Riding

Caving

Birding

Rock Climbing

History & Culture

Photography

Picnicking

Off-Roading

Wildlife Watching

calendar today icon See upcoming events in the Park Events Calendar

Campsites, Lodging & Facilities

Texas State Parks have facilities for overnight stays, day visits and group gatherings. Many parks have accessible features.

Family camping

Camping & Lodging

Experience the outdoors in campsites for tents and RVs ranging from primitive to luxury. Parks also offer cabins, screened shelters and other lodging.
Family having a picnic at a pavilion

Group Facilities

From open-air picnic pavilions to group lodges, Texas state parks can meet your group's needs.
Ladies on a pier using trail map

Accessible Facilities

Many state parks offer accessible features including campsites, group sites, restrooms, trails or exhibits.

Rules & Safety

Ensure your visit is a safe and enjoyable one.

Officers talking with mom and daughter

Park Rules

Rules and regulations protect visitors and help preserve parks for future generations.
Couple walking dogs in Bastrop State Park

Pets in Parks

Most state parks allow pets. Follow these rules to keep your pet happy and healthy during your visit.
Family swimming Inks Lake

Swimming Safety

TPWD takes water safety seriously. Follow these warnings and tips to make your trip a good one.

Park Videos

Catch a glimpse of what Texas State Parks have to offer before you go.

Play Button Hueco Tanks video

Hueco Tanks

This park and historic site is named for its large natural rock basins or “huecos” (way-koes).
Play Button Lake Colorado City video

Lake Colorado City

Visitors from nearby cities like Abilene and Midland come here for great water recreation.
Play Button Seminole Canyon video

Seminole Canyon

Tour some of North America's oldest Indian pictographs and cave dwellings.
Play Button Choke Canyon video

Choke Canyon

This park is a catfishing haven. Birders love the trails because the water attracts a variety of birds.
Play Button Falcon State Park video

Falcon State Park

Near the border of Mexico, Falcon Reservoir provides excellent fishing, birding and sunsets.
Play Button Goose Island video

Goose Island

Known for its fishing, Goose Island also features a 1000-year-old oak tree and endangered whooping cranes.
Play Button South Llano River video

South Llano River

This park on the western edge of the Hill Country has tubing, biking, birding and some serious fly-fishing.
Play Button Fort Boggy video

Fort Boggy

This East Texas park offers water, woods and wildlife as well as primitive camping and new cabins.

See more park videos on our YouTube channel.

Official Guide & Social Media

Keep park info handy with our free Official State Park Guide mobile app or printed booklet.

Texas State Parks Guide Mobile App

Texas State Parks Guide app on two devices

Plan your trip to a state park and bring the guide along. Most content is available without an internet connection.

Apple App Store Google Play

Texas State Parks Guide Booklet

Texas State Parks Guide Booklet

This full-color, digest-sized, free publication provides maps, amenities, activities and visitor program information. Download the guide as a PDF or find at state park near you.